Martin Stewart, owner of Stewarts, said: ‘We’re looking forward to this year’s walking festival as autumn can be a wonderful time for a walk in the New Forest. The changing colours of the leaves and bracken are quite a sight; deer can often be seen and heard during the rutting season, whilst pigs are let loose in parts of the Forest to eat the fallen acorns. As a local family business, we’re delighted to sponsor the walking festival for another year.’

Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Many people enjoy a walk in the New Forest, but what’s unique about the Walking Festival is the range of guided walks on offer. They are led by local experts who know the best spots for an autumn amble, as well as revealing surprising stories which have shaped the Forest’s unique landscapes.

‘The walking festival also encourages sustainable travel, reducing carbon emissions by starting many walks from train stations or bus stops and offering car-free discounts. This will help protect the National Park for future generations.’

The New Forest Walking Festival is partly funded by a Department for Transport grant to promote car-free travel in and around the New Forest National Park.

The festival is also supported by many local organisations including New Forest Destination Partnership, Brand New Forest, the Forestry Commission, New Forest District Council, New Forest Association and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

• Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect.• Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:

• Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.